4 Days Mount Meru Climbing | Mzimba Adventures

Tour Overview

Mount Meru is an often overlooked but spectacular volcano located in the center of Arusha National Park. Standing at 14,980 feet high, Meru serves as an excellent warm-up to Mount Kilimanjaro or a rewarding standalone hike. Unlike the crowded trails of Kilimanjaro, Meru offers a tranquil and solitary trekking experience. Accommodations consist of wooden huts along the route. On the lower slopes of the mountain and within the park, there is a good chance of spotting wildlife.

For safety, an armed ranger will accompany your party during the initial stage of the trek to mitigate any potential wildlife threats. The trail follows the north rim of the crater, offering breathtaking views along a dramatic ridgeline. Upon reaching the summit, the vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Meru crater are truly unforgettable. Tanzania Private Select Safaris offers Mount Meru as a four-day private climb. However, it's common for clients from different parties and operators to be combined to walk with the armed ranger on the lower slopes.

Itinerary

Day 1

Momella Gate to Miriakamba Huts

Elevation: 4,921 ft to 8,250 ft
Distance: 10 km
Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart from Arusha to Momella Gate in Arusha National Park to complete necessary formalities before commencing our trek. The hiking trail begins in open grassland, accompanied by an armed ranger as the likelihood of wildlife sightings - such as giraffes, zebras, antelopes, elephants, and buffalos - is high. We steadily ascend through the rainforest until reaching Miriakamba Huts, nestled in a grassy glade.

Day 2

Miriakamba Huts to Saddle Huts

Elevation: 8,250 ft to 11,712 ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
Continuing our ascent through the rainforest, we transition into the heath zone, characterized by giant heather and other moorland vegetation. Along the ridge of the saddle, we are treated to panoramic views of Mount Meru Crater and the Ash Tray. Upon reaching Saddle Huts, there is an opportunity to hike to the summit of Little Mount Meru for breathtaking views and further acclimatization.

Day 3

Saddle Huts to Summit

Elevation: 11,712 ft to 14,977 ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
In the early hours of the morning, around midnight, we embark on our ascent to the summit. The trail steepens as we progress to Rhino Point and then Cobra Point. Continuing along the ridge of ash and rock, we reach the summit - Socialist Peak. Here, we are rewarded with magnificent vistas of Kilimanjaro and the sunrise before descending to Miriakamba Huts.

Day 4

Summit to Miriakamba Huts

Elevation: 14,977 ft to 8,250 ft
Distance: 13 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Heath

Descending from the summit, we retrace our steps through the heath zone to Miriakamba Huts.
Miriakamba Huts to Momella Gate
Elevation: 11,712 ft to 4,921 ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 2-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

On our final day, we descend rapidly through the tropical rainforest to Momella Gate. At the mountain's base, our vehicle awaits to transport us back to the hotel in Arusha.

Includes

- All meals on the mountain

- All Taxes and VAT.

- Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides

- Climbing permits

- Government Climbing Taxes

- Guides, Porters, cook salaries.

- Hut fees

- National Park gate fees

- National Park ranger (required by Arusha National Park)

- Personal Summit Certificate signed by the National Park and your Guide

Excludes

- Personal Items (Souvenirs, Travel Insurance, Visa Fees, etc.).

- Personal items and toiletries

- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)

- Tips for guides, porters and cook

- Travel insurance

Introducing Mzimba Adventures, your premier destination for African safaris and Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions, based in the vibrant city of Arusha.